Indians finish 14th in State meet

The Elsberry Indians Cross Country team met for the final time on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Jefferson City, for State and although they didn’t place in the top 10, it was still a proud year for Head Coach Ezra Tillotson.

“This was a growth year for us,” said Tillotson. “I was extremely proud that we qualified for State and of the talent we have on this team.”

Taking the line first was Naomi Gladney, who would lead the Indian squad by finishing in 27th place with a time of 21:57. Unfortunately, she would miss being placed in All-State by two spots. Fellow runners Maggie Spratt finished in 77th place with a time of 23:52, Allie Smith finished in 129th place with a time of 25:08, Mandy Horne finished in 139th place with a time of 25:34, Anne Marie Bufford finished 141st place with a time of 25:45 and Anne Heintzelman finished in 158th place with a time of 29:20.

Next up was Jack Weakly, who came in 129th place with a time of 20:14.

“Jack won’t have any troubles running in the 19’s next year and if we keep him healthy, perhaps the 18’s,” said Tillotson. “Several Elsberry High School Boy’s indicated an interest in the Cross Country program. With any luck, Jack could be running point for us next year.”

According to Tillotson, there will be a significant amount of talent on the team in 2014 and the next few years look even better, for both girls and boys.